Living the Organized Life: Step 1

I know there are many ways to be organized and many ways to get organized. I want to share a different way to organize. I am going to show you how I handle keeping my LIFE organized. These are the steps I take when life is getting out of control. This whole process usually takes a couple of days and I usually do it once a year, when it is needed. I am only sharing one step a week so you do not get overwhelmed. I also want to help you take the time to focus on each step.

Step one is all about making lists. 

• Make lists of all your responsibilities and commitments. 

Don't forget to list all organizations and groups you are a part of as well. When doing this, make sure to sub-list all things you do in each category. 

For example, I am in CSPRI and within the organization, I am the case manager, staff media assistant, and Paralina producer/ host. All of these jobs require certain tasks like updating calendars, keeping track of schedules, and scheduling/ monitoring social media. I include all of these things in sub-lists.  

• List any projects you have going on or that you will be starting soon.  

Also list any to dos that you have and steps you know to take for each project. 

For example, I am planning a Halloween event, a birthday party, and  various other things for the team. Within each category, I go ahead and list the things I know have to be done- this helps me keep up with everything I'm doing. 

• List all chores you do yearly, seasonally, monthly, weekly, and daily. Also list things you do after completing certain tasks. 

I also include work tasks since I work from home. I have a list of all the things I do after I complete a blog post- I include that as well.

Seasonal chores include household and business management. I list that once a week I need to schedule social media posts, once a month, I review all social media channels, and a list of all the social media tasks I do every day. 

• Gather all to do lists scattered around and combine into one. 

This is for all those to dos you write down to eventually get to.

• List any other things you keep up with and things you may want in a planner or to-do diary. 

This is things like birthdays, meal planning, water/ calorie intake, weekly meetings, etc.

This also may be a good time to see if there are any responsibilities you would like to delegate or step away from.

Hold onto to these lists, we will do something with them next week. I promise it will be worth it.

 

 

 

Republic Ecigs: I'm a Quitter

Disclaimer: I did receive products from Republic Ecig. However, I was not required to write this post. 

I have a shameful secret to share with the blogging world. I am a smoker. I know how horrible and unhealthy it is to smoke. However, at 20, I was bulletproof and the rules that apply to everyone else were obviously not for me. Over the past 10 years, I have lost family members to smoking related disease and seen others' health deteriorate.

As I wrote last week, I have been thinking a lot about my health and ways to improve it. One thing, besides my weight, that has been at the forefront of my thoughts has been the smoking issue.

The thing about smoking that a lot of non-smokers fail to realize is that it isn't just an addiction to nicotine, there is a habit aspect to it as well. We all form habits and we all have our vices. We work those vices into our lives and they become habits. I have a cigarette with my first cup of coffee, after each meal, before bed, and throughout the day when a mind break is needed. Sometimes I smoke just for an excuse to get outside.

Slapping a patch on when I need a break or chewing a piece of gum first thing in the morning doesn't do the trick. This is where Republic Ecig comes in. If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen how in love with this company I am.

A Republic Ecig has 18 mg of nicotine without all the other nastiness that is found in a cigarette. They work off vapor, so there is an illusion of smoke, but with no actual smoke or smoke smell involved. This is a much healthier alternative to cigarettes for you and those around you.

I love the product and I have dramatically cut down on the number of actual cigarettes I smoke in a day (soon it will be none). However, it was something else that caused me to fall in love with the Republic Ecigs.

Damien Horne from The Farm has partnered withRepublic Ecig to get these in the hands of every smoker

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group has even praised Republic Ecig and all they do! 

Check out their mission statement to really be moved by a modern company. 

Republic Ecig is a company that has risen above a desire for profit, they strive to truly make a difference in the world. That is something worth getting behind! 

The Republic Ecig has an amazing flavor that is extremely close to the taste of an actual cigarette. I smoke regulars, so the "Rebel Red" is a perfect fit. The "Menthol Ice" impressed my mother-in-law, who smokes menthol full flavored. I also enjoyed the "Georgia Peach" and it reminds me of the sweet dreams I smoked in my college days and are perfect for anyone who prefers flavored cigs. There is even a ecigar! Republic Ecigs come in both disposable and rechargeable options and the prices are phenomenal! 

While I still smoke a few traditional cigarettes a day, Republic Ecigs has cut that number tremendously. 

Check them out around the web:

WWW.REPUBLICECIG.COM
WWW.TWITTER.COM/Republicecig
WWW.Facebook.Com/Republicecigs

#PQInShape: Redirection

I turned the big 2-9 on Wednesday and it kind of took a toll on my mind set. Yes, I know most struggle with 30, but this year kind of hit me hard. I guess that's because I know 30 comes next (shocker, I did learn to count mom!)

Seeing 29, I've been reevaluating some things, mostly my health and the decisions I make that involve my health. I'm getting to 30 and my little guy is getting older. I want to be around to see him graduate and lead a full life as an adult. I will be about 45 when he graduates. I know that its not old, but I know that if I do not become proactive in my healthcare, I may not make it much past 45.

I have a plan that I will be sharing with you. I will also be sharing with you the little things I have started doing every day to make my life more fulfilling and healthy. It is no longer about losing weight, it is about so much more.

I hope you join me on this journey as I find the new healthier me.

The Importance of Staying Organized

For those that saw this post on Instagram, you should know that it was the beginning of this post! 

For me, the price of not staying organized is the need to be rushed, which stresses me out and can cause mistakes- which ultimately can cost me money. Another price I pay when I am not organized is having too many tasks that absolutely have to be done in a short period of time. That is what the Instagram photo is showing- too many things to do in just one day! For some people, not staying organized can have much more extreme penalties. 

The last couple of days I have spent reevaluating my responsibilities, my organizing style, and how many minutes are in a day. This has prompted me to create lists of what I have to do every day, week, and month. I have also gathered my insane number of to do lists and consolidated them. 

Another project was to reevaluate the tools I use- both digital and traditional. I have been on the hunt for replacements of some. 

You all will benefit from this. Over the next several weeks, I will share the steps I have taken, tools that I use, and everything else involved in getting myself organized again and preparing for changes that may come my way. 

I will also be sharing some of the changes that have prompted the chaos- hold on, it is gonna be a ride!

Coming Soon: Changes for The Palmetto Queen

I started The Palmetto Queen just over a year ago as a way to share my chaotic life. It has grown- I love having fans that relate to my life. I have decided on some changes- don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.

I'm working on some design changes that will better express what The Palmetto Queen is all about.

Southern Charm Sunday is also starting back with a "Dear Abby" like aspect with it. So, if you have any etiquette questions, ask away (comment here, leave me a Facebook comment, or talk to me on twitter)

I will also be sharing more from my paranormal life, more beauty posts, more organizing posts, and restructuring my fitness posts.

One more change you might be interested in: my little prince is getting older, so he will now be referred to as Mac (irish for son).

These changes will begin on Monday, June 3rd. Some will take longer than others to implement, but it will all be worth it.

Let me know if you have any other suggestions- I'm always listening!

Is Your Laptop a Reflection of You?

Disclaimer: I received a decal from thedecalguru.com in exchange for my review. However, all opinions are my own. 

I love customizing EVERYTHING. If its not moving, monogram it! I am a southern chick to the core after all. Lucky for ya'll, I am also a geek. That means I was a perfect candidate to review a product from The Decal Guru. When I was first contacted, I checked out the site. Honestly, I was a little disapointed when I got there because I do not have a Mac. I fell in love with The Giving Tree (my favorite book of all time) and the Snow White (who doesn't love Snow White) decals. But, they were designed for Macs.

I knew I wanted something for my laptop, so I pressed on and found this beauty- it represents me perfectly!

The thing about the Cheshire Cat decal is that it is actually a car decal. But, since thinking outside of the box is cool and all, I went for it and put it on my laptop. I could have chosen colors besides white, but since my "Impress Your Heroes" sticker is black and white, I stuck to white. It worked fabulously!

It was pretty simple to apply, and probably would have been even easier if my laptop was smooth. Even with a textured casing, the decal sticks perfectly!

From TheDecalGuru.com:
Product Information

• All our decals are machine cut from high quality, self-adhesive vinyl. 
• Every decal order comes with a set of application instructions or you could watch our application video online. 
• Each decal is easy to apply to your Macbook, iPad, iPhone, vehicle, window or any other smooth surface you want to stick it to. 
• Leaves no residue. All our decals are cut from Oracal 631 Series exhibition calendered vinyl that is made with a removable residue-free adhesive.

Don't worry, it comes in an envelope to protect from bending. 

There is even a video to show the application process if you prefer to see it in action.

I will continue to order from TheDecalGuru.com for all of my decal needs. The only thing that would make it better would be custom graphics *hint, hint*